The Uthokawiphatprasit Watergate: A Man-Made Change in Pak Phanang River Basin

• Main Authors: Pipop PRABNARONG, Janjira KAEWRAT
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Walailak University 2011-11-01
• Series: Walailak Journal of Science and Technology
• Subjects: Uthokawiphatprasit Watergate; Pak Phanang River Basin; environmental changes
• Online Access: http://wjst.wu.ac.th/index.php/wjst/article/view/133

This minireview article investigates the environmental changes since the operation of the Uthokawiphatprasit watergate over the Pak Phanang River in the southern east coast of Thailand. It was revealed that the watergate caused the slow down of water circulation in the bay which accelerated the rate of sediment deposition. The watergate also resulted in poor water quality in the Pak Phanang River which caused the declination of fish species and fish production. Moreover, it resulted in a lower production of Nipa Palm which is an important economic tree in the basin. Finally, there was evidence that the watergate might cause the spread of Malaria in this area.